Eyelashes looking a little sad or stocky? Watch with jealousy every baby you see (WTF, baby! What do you do with all those long eyelashes ?!) Welcome to the club, uh, basically everyone. If you've ever tried all the mascara, eyelash extensions and elongated eyelashes, you may be ready to go to the root of the problem and find a way to develop your eyelashes, not just simulate them.
But before sending a message to this old high school friend on Facebook for that he buys the eyelash serum that they sell, you must first take into account some very important factors (we are talk about your precious eyes, after all). Below, Ilyse Haberman, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at NYU-Lagone, shares her knowledge of how fast your eyelashes grow. and safely, so that you can finally stop giving baby strokes.
How long does it take to grow your eyelashes?
Before getting into the thick of it, how to get very long eyelashes, let's go back to the basics you probably never learned. The growth cycle of your eyelashes consists of three phases: catagen (dormant stage), telogen (stage of excretion) and anagen (growth phase). So, realistically, your eyelashes spend most of their time chilling and falling, without actually growing, which is why the results are not instantaneous.
In fact, Dr. Haberman says it can take three months for your eyelashes to grow naturally. But, because I know you're impatient and want your eyelashes to grow overnight, you'll be happy to know that it's is a way to extend the growth phase.
How can I stimulate my eyelashes to grow?
If you've ever watched TV or opened a magazine, you've probably heard of a product called Latisse …the only approved eyelash growth serum on the market. It was originally created as eye drops for glaucoma (high eye pressure), when doctors became aware of its other benefit: the ability to push lashes longer and thicker.
After a few iterations and improvements of the ingredients, Latisse was born. She used the active ingredient bimatoprost to develop your existing eyelashes. stimulate the growth of new hair in four to six weeks. Pretty cool, huh? The only small obstacle is that it is only a prescription. You must therefore contact a derm or a doctor.
Which brings us to your next thought: What about the random eyelash serums I see in the articles and on Instagram? And, ahem, this way…
Do over-the-counter eyelash growth serums really work?
I do not want to further complicate a subject that is already complicated enough, but this question is fraught with meaning. If your friends use over-the-counter eye lashes and swear that they have longer and thicker eyelashes, it is quite possible that they use a product containing an ingredient comparable to bimatoprost.
"Some non-prescription eyelash serums contain similar growth ingredients.such as isopropyl cloprostenate, but they are not regulated or approved by the FDA, "says Dr. Haberman.The mere fact of being able to buy them from your mother's best friend does not mean that these eyelash serums are completely harmless With any drug, there are side effects to consider before painting your entire eye with the trick.
Are eyelash serums safe?
Yes, no and possibly. There is a good reason (well, in fact, reasons plural) why you need a prescription to get Latisse: it's a medicine (for glaucoma!), which means that a doctor must make sure that it will not interfere with other drugs that you take or have no side effect on your eyes.
And you know all these rumors that someone's eye color would change with the use of an eyelash serum? Yes, it's a possibility if you use a formula with growth ingredients. According to Dr. Haberman, if the serum gets into the eye, those with clearer eyes may notice a change in their iris color after repeated exposure. In other words, your baby blues could turn brown if you do not apply the product with care, finely only to your lash line.
Other risks: a growth serum may also cause skin discoloration and / or irritation and lid pockets if they infiltrate your eyes. Of course, like all side effects, it is a possibility, not a guarantee. Some people can use eyelash serums without problems, but this is still a good reminder to always read the list of ingredients and consult with your doctor first.
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Are eyelash conditioners or DIY serums working?
A safer alternative to a non-prescription eyelash growth serum is an eyelash Conditioner. These moisturizing formulas usually contain emollient ingredients that give your existing eyelashes a healthier look and feel. "Eyelash conditioners can help strengthen the lashes, prevent them from breaking or swell them slightly, so that they look a bit thicker," says Dr. Haberman. they do not really make them grow longer."Womp.
So, all home remedies containing coconut, beaver and olive oils? As for the growth of your eyelashes, do not expect miracles. At most, you will see a little more shine and strength.
What should I avoid when growing eyelashes?
When you grow your eyelashes, you want to avoid anything that can delay or damage the hair. So, you know, all the usual things that can damage your eyelashes, including false eyelashes, hair curlers, and not washing your face.
Whaaa? Yep. False eyelashes can be tempting while you wait for growth, but because they are heavy, they could indeed break or even drop the eyelashes, especially during their withdrawal. During this time, being too aggressive with an eyelash curler can also damage the lashes causing breakage and mechanical trauma. Regarding the fact of not removing makeup, some people may develop inflammation around their eyelashes, called blepharitis, which, if left untreated, can result in loss of eyelashes.
So, is it possible to grow eyelashes?
If you avoid false eyelashes, opt for the curler, remove your makeup for the eyes every night, strengthen your current lashes with a serum conditioner, and see your doctor for a growth serum prescription, then, yes, it is actually possible to grow longer eyelashes. But you have to be consistent and patient: these treatments take months to work, and once you stop doing so, growth is also evolving. So it's up to you to decide if all the work is worth it.
Brooke Shunatona Brooke Shunatona is a contributing author for Cosmopolitan.com.